Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a versatile water-soluble polymer that has found extensive application in the oil and gas industry. In the drilling industry, CMC is commonly used as a viscosifier, lubricant, and filtration control agent in drilling fluids.

As a viscosifier, CMC increases the viscosity of the drilling fluid, which helps to carry cuttings to the surface and prevents them from settling in the wellbore. This property is particularly important in directional and horizontal drilling operations, where maintaining hole stability is paramount.

As a lubricant, CMC reduces friction between the drill string and the wellbore, which minimizes torque and drag, thereby improving drilling efficiency.

Finally, CMC serves as an effective filtration control agent by forming a thin, impermeable filter cake on the formation face, preventing the invasion of drilling fluids into the formation and maintaining its integrity.

Overall, the unique properties of CMC make it an indispensable component in the formulation of drilling fluids for the oil and gas industry.